Ash dieback is a serious risks to pedestrians and motorists - McGowan

Cllr Sean McGowan sought the support of members in calling on the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Transport to provide, as a matter of urgency, a funding scheme to support landowners "to address the serious issue that ash dieback poses on the ash tree species in roadside hedgerows across the country." 

Speaking at the latest Leitrim County Council meeting, he said that the branch of an affected tree "could snap and fall on the road and some person could be injured badly."

Cllr McGowan continued that the disease has "devastated" ash trees across the country and said he was worried pedestrians or motorists could be victims of the decaying trees. 

Cllr Enda Stenson supported the motion and described the ash trees as "lethal alongside the road" and said that "something should be done about it as no farmer has the ability to take down those big trees on their own."

Cllr Paddy Farrell said the councillors are "inundated" with comments about the issue and he has seen the problem himself on his own farm.

Cathaoirleach Cllr Justin Warnock said that he raised the matter at the Manorhamilton municipal district meeting where he was advised that it was the responsibility of the landowner to deal with ash dieback which, he said, "would be a phenomenal expense."